Getting a Loved One to Seek Help for Addiction

It can be very difficult and heartbreaking to watch someone you love struggle with addiction. Ignoring the situation may seem like the easiest way to cope, however, allowing your loved one to continue suffering from addiction without getting help can lead to worsened problems.

Here’s what you can do to guide your loved one toward professional addiction treatment.

Learn More About Addiction

Educating yourself about addiction can give you a better understanding of what your loved one may be going through. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and drug use despite negative consequences. Addiction requires treatment just like any other chronic health condition such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.

Knowing how drug dependence and addiction affect the brain can clue you into what your loved one needs in terms of support and treatment.

Be Supportive

Addiction can be highly difficult to recover from on your own without a strong support system in place. Your loved one will need your support as they work toward achieving long-term abstinence and during the times they feel helpless and on the verge of relapse.

Explain to your loved one that you understand and acknowledge how difficult their recovery may be and that you plan on sticking by their side no matter what. Your support and encouragement will end up playing an important role in your loved one’s recovery from addiction.

Discuss Your Loved One’s Treatment Options

Many of today’s addiction treatments are safe, proven, and effective. People recovering from addiction no longer have to suffer through withdrawal without help in the form of medication and therapy. People who struggle with addiction to alcohol, heroin, and painkillers can receive detox medications that help relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms. People who are dependent on benzodiazepines and other prescription drugs can be put on a tapering schedule to relieve symptoms.

When discussing addiction treatment with your loved one, explain that withdrawal doesn’t have to be painful and difficult and that treatments like drug and alcohol detox can help relieve the most severe of symptoms.

Encourage Your Loved One To Talk To A Counselor

If you are concerned about your loved one’s addiction, encourage them to talk to a counselor. Addiction treatment counselors can provide the support and resources your loved one needs to overcome addiction and lead a healthy, productive life. Addiction counselors can also work with you to help you understand addiction and its effects on your loved one and family. They can also provide you and your loved one with referrals to addiction treatment programs and other resources.

Talk To Your Loved One About The Benefits Of Sobriety

Sobriety is more than just abstaining from alcohol or drugs. Sobriety is about living a healthy and balanced life. Let your loved one know that seeking addiction treatment can help improve their relationships. Seeking treatment and overcoming addiction can also help reduce stress levels, anxiety, and feelings of depression. Seeking addiction treatment can also help your loved one improve their job performance, productivity, and financial well-being. Being sober can help your loved one pursue their goals and dreams and live the life they’ve always wanted. Knowing this information can motivate your loved one to seek the help they need.

Stage An Intervention

One way to encourage an addict to seek treatment is to stage an intervention. During an intervention, family and friends come together to express their concern and encourage their loved one to get help. Interventions can be a powerful tool in getting an addict to accept treatment, but they should only be conducted by trained professionals.

Take Care of Yourself too

In order to properly care for and support your loved one throughout their recovery journey, you must be in good health yourself. Get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, and don’t hesitate to seek therapy if you need help coping or communicating with your loved one as they recover from addiction. Many drug and alcohol rehab centers like Bridges of Hope offer family therapy so those in recovery can repair broken relationships and improve the family dynamic.

Stay Positive About Recovery

Recovery from addiction can often take years or a lifetime for some people. Keep this in mind while helping your loved one, and don’t hesitate to remind them about it — especially on difficult days. Avoid preaching, lecturing, or being condescending to your loved one about their addiction and urge to relapse. Don’t make them feel guilty or shameful, either. Maintain open communication with your loved one, and let them know it’s okay if they’re struggling and that you plan on staying by their side throughout recovery.

Bridges of Hope offers medical detox, dual diagnosis, and a range of evidence-based residential treatment therapies that can safely and successfully help your loved one recover from addiction. Contact us today at 765-358-7320 or fill out our confidential form to begin the treatment process.